First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the unforgettable honeymoon at one of Asia-Pacific’s top romantic destinations. Put the stress of wedding planning completely behind you and enjoy wedded bliss. We know a couple of places that’ll be just perfect for the two of you.
Read also: 8 Things Couples Discover After Travelling Together
#1 The Couple That Likes to Get Their Fitness On: Queenstown
Queenstown is not for the idle. The adventure capital of the world is where the weekend warriors go when bored of sitting behind a desk and in need of an ‘Oh Em Gee that’s beautiful’ moment. Go for truly epic hikes through Lord of the Rings territory, get the adrenaline flowing with bungy-jumping or rock climbing, and cruise along with some of the world’s best mountain biking trails. When feeling a bit more in the mood for something sedentary, wine on down at one of the over 75 wineries in the region. Or, perhaps, chill out in a super-luxe spa.
Best months to visit: December to February
Top honeymoon villas: Lakeview and Waldmann Cottage
#2 The Couple on a Buddymoon: Bali
Had a destination wedding and now no one wants to go home? We hear you! Vacation days are important! So, keep the whole gang together in Bali. Rent a massive villa, experience the nightlife of Seminyak, the best of Bali’s beach clubs, world-class surf and some seriously idyllic beaches. In Bali, you won’t have to sit around trying to plan out excursions everyone can enjoy. Here, everyone will be way too busy doing their own thing to trouble your fun.
Best months to visit: April to October
Top honeymoon villas: EDEN – The Residence at Sea, Villa A-Mar, and Villa Puro Blanco
Read also: Is the honeymoon dead? How to do a buddymoon right.
#3 The Couple Reeling From an Expensive Wedding: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will surprise you. Not only is it surprisingly affordable, but it also has the kind of luxurious views you can’t believe you’re waking up to. We recommend hopping around Sri Lanka for at least a week, so you get to make the most of the beautiful beaches in Weligama and Mirissa, and the charming town of Galle. Sri Lankan curry is deliciously addictive.
Best months to visit: Sri Lanka experiences two major monsoon seasons that affect the South/West and North/East areas at different months of the year. Go from December to March if headed to the western and southern coasts, and May to September if going to the east coast.
Top honeymoon villas: Cape Weligama and Ceylon Tea Trails
#4 The Couple That Loves Snow and a Fireside Cuddle: Niseko
Going to the snow might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to romance. Really, though, what’s better than having snow fall outside your window as you and your spouse cuddle up on a rug in front of a fire, glass of wine in hand? Or maybe you prefer the hot springs of an onsen to heat up some passions? Better yet, for the competitive, enjoy a snowball fight that you, obviously, win.
Best months: December to March
Top honeymoon villas: Nest at the Trees and TELLUS
#5 The Couple That’s All About the Spa Life: Koh Samui
Samui may just be the unofficial wellness capital of Southeast Asia. Detox, destress, yoga it out and toss your work phone into the sea (your partner deserves your full attention)! You can zen out at world-class spas, bathe in crystal clear waters, get reacquainted with nature by journeying into the jungle-covered hills and snorkel your way around Ang Thong Marine Park. If all that sounds too dull, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to indulge in.
Best months to visit: December to mid-March, July and August
Top honeymoon villas: Headland 2, The View, Villa Natha, Ban Kinaree
#6 The Couple That Wants to get Lost in Nature: Phuket
Phuket is so much more than the beach life. Well, obviously, the beaches are exceptional, but there is so much else to get out of the villa to experience. Go hiking in Khao Sok, scuba dive and island-hop your way around the Phi Phi Islands or try whitewater rafting, 4-wheel-driving, ziplining and kayaking. Go, get in touch with your partner and get lost in the wild.
Best months to visit: November to April
Top honeymoon villas: Villa Shyine and Iniala Beach House
#7 The Couple That’s All About Getting Cultured: Kyoto
The former capital of Japan is the heart of the nation’s culture. Its historical value is so prized that it was ruled it out as a target in World War II and escaped destruction. Known for being the home to thousands of Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, gardens, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto is the place where foodies, history buffs, and lovers of all things beautiful disappear to.
Best months to visit: March to May and September to November
Top honeymoon villas: Campton 9 Nishijin Itsutsuji and Campton 10 Nishijin Arima
#8 The Couple That Thrives on City Life: Sydney
Go to say you’ve been to the Opera House, stay because you’ll finally understand what real coffee tastes like (#coffeesnobsforever) and because Aussies just do brunch better. And while you’re there, you and your better half can be the culture vultures you love to hate, browsing the countless galleries and museums, shop till you drop, and oh yeah, check out some truly stunning beaches. Bondi, anyone?
Best months to visit: November to April
Top honeymoon villas: The Harbour View Point Piper and Villa Manly
Get lucky.
